Katrina Schuchart
Administration Manager
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord
Concord, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have been in the industry for 13 years in multiple departments and positions. I am currently taking classes to obtain my degree in business administration.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have my Lifeguard Instructor license through Ellis & Associates. I am working toward my PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification, and will be obtaining my CPO license later this year.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
My favorite would have to be a team award received in 2021. The Aquatics department won Department of the Year for Six Flags Northern California and that would not have been achieved without the amazing folks we have.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I started as a lifeguard when I was 16 years old and I absolutely fell in love with just being a lifeguard. As I continued to return season after season, my passion for the industry grew. I’ve worked in F&B, park services admissions, safety and I currently double as the Human Resources and Aquatics Manager. What keeps me coming back is seeing the passion I had reciprocated in new lifeguards.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love that every day brings a new or different challenge. The ability to execute things on the fly and troubleshoot problems quickly keeps me on my toes. I like to think it’s made me quite the critical thinker!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Ronald Walker. As I was getting started in the waterpark industry, I never dreamed I would be where I am today, as it almost felt intangible. He introduced me to leadership roles early in my career and challenged me day after day to be better and do better for not only myself, but for my team as well. I am fortunate enough to be able to call him day or night with questions knowing that 9 times out of 10 he will answer.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge I faced was stepping away from aquatics. The 3-4 years I spent leading different departments was difficult not because I was unsuccessful, but because lifeguarding had become a core part of my life. I will always be grateful for those years though, as I learned so much about the operation of waterparks as a whole, and not just the lifeguarding piece. When I stepped back into an aquatics role, I was able to look at things from a much larger perspective which al- lowed for collaboration and success on a larger scale.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
For me, taking breaks is essential to staying focused and motivated. Working all day and night is unsustainable and burnout is real. Taking a step back after “punching out” allows me to come in ready for the day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Be open minded! The waterpark and theme park industries are like no other. It is a fast-paced environment that brings new challenges daily. Collaboration and communication go a long way in this industry!
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The book of LIFE! Everyone comes from somewhere and I try not to allow stereotypes or experience levels keep me from learning something new.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love seeing people learn and grow! It is absolutely inspiring to see someone overcome a challenge, to see the determination in their eyes and the pride when they succeed.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I had to start completely over, I would be a flight attendant. I LOVE to travel and I do it every chance I get. Being able to frequent different cities and countries even if it’s just for a few hours would be amazing. I’d be able to cross so many places off my bucket list!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I’ve always read World Waterpark Magazine. I was approached earlier this year and asked if I would consider joining the Government Relations Committee. Of course I said yes, and was honored that I was chosen! I am excited to be able to serve the waterpark community on a larger scale.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
When I was in high school, I was in everything band. Throughout my 4 years, I learned how to play 12 different instruments with my favorite being the oboe. •